Fictional MI6 secret agent James Bond, as both the literary character and the Sean Connery film version, has fascinated me for much of my spyless adult existence. In keeping with my homage watch theme, I decided to make a 007-inspired timepiece.

My parameters were a Submariner-esque dive watch with a particular band. The watch I was looking to emulate, imitate, impersonate sported a British Ministry of Defence-style nylon strap that Connery wore in “Dr. No” and “Goldfinger.” The 007 watch had to have a black band with olive Continue reading →

Hands down, my favorite moment of BLADE Show 2018 occurred as I wandered the custom makers’ tables. I overheard maker Carl Colson mention to show goers that he hailed from Florida. I circled back to his table and saw a man in a scooter talking to Colson.

The man was holding a small fixed blade Colson had built. It had a mirror-polished clip point blade and similarly finished bolsters. Colson told the man he would like to make it as a folder someday.

I stole a glance at the name badge. That man in the chair was A.G. Russell himself! Admiring the knife, Mr. Russell replied to Colson that if he sent specs, Russell would get it into production.

If I was Mr. Colson, I would have passed out. He and I locked eyes for a few seconds. The unspoken exchange was: Me, “Holy shit!” Him, “Oh my God, pinch me!”

This type of exchange that can really take a maker’s recognition to the next level. Mr. Russell was very nice and he apparently knows what he likes.

It was kind of amazing and just one of the things you might experience if you keep your eyes and ears on high alert.

by Wilson

(The reflections on the blade are from the ceiling. Believe me, it was perfect.)

Chuck Gedraitus taught us a balisong making class at BLADE Show. I photographed this Bowie-style butterfly that Mr. Gedraitus made and that he passed around as an example. This gent’s talent is unbelievable. He was a terrific instructor. This seminar gave us his insights into what he had learned constructing over 170 balisongs!

Though it was all above my skill level, he made it sound almost doable for a hobby maker such as myself. Almost.